Description
Siamese Algae Eater – The Natural Algae Control Specialist
(Crossocheilus siamensis)
The Siamese Algae Eater (Crossocheilus siamensis) is a highly sought-after fish in the aquarium world, known for its excellent algae-eating abilities. With its sleek body, attractive black stripe, and peaceful nature, it’s not only a useful addition to any freshwater tank but also a beautiful one. Native to Southeast Asia, the Siamese Algae Eater is an active and efficient cleaner that will help keep your tank free from unsightly algae, making it an ideal companion for community aquariums.
Key Features:
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Efficient Algae Eater: Known for consuming a wide variety of algae, including hair algae and green spot algae
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Distinctive Markings: A slender body with a black stripe running from nose to tail, often accented with a gold sheen
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Moderate Size: Grows up to 12 cm (4.7 inches) in length
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Peaceful and Social: Enjoys being in groups and is non-aggressive, making it a great addition to community tanks
Tank Requirements:
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Minimum tank size: 75 liters (20 gallons) for a small group
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Temperature: 24°C–28°C (75°F–82°F)
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pH: 6.5–7.5
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Prefers a tank with plants, rocks, and driftwood for hiding and grazing
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Requires moderate to strong filtration, as they thrive in clean water with good circulation
Compatibility:
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Peaceful and social—best kept in groups of 3 or more
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Ideal tankmates include other peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, and livebearers
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May become territorial with other algae-eaters, but it generally gets along well with most species
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Avoid aggressive fish that could stress or harm it
Feeding Tips:
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Omnivorous—while it primarily eats algae, it will also consume biofilm, detritus, and leftover fish food
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Supplement its diet with high-quality pellets, flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or bloodworms
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Feed 2–3 times a day in small portions, ensuring it doesn’t overeat and leaves enough food for the tank’s other inhabitants
Why Choose the Siamese Algae Eater?
The Siamese Algae Eater is the perfect choice for aquarists looking to maintain a clean, algae-free tank without the need for harsh chemicals. Not only does it serve as a natural algae controller, but it also adds a sleek, elegant look to your aquarium. With its peaceful demeanor and hardworking nature, this fish is an ideal addition to any community tank, especially for those looking for a reliable algae-eater that will keep your tank looking its best.
Click & Collect
Livestock will only be bagged once you arrive, or if you contact us in advance to request it ready beforehand.
Local Delivery
Order anything from our in-store range and have it delivered right to you.
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Minimum spend: £50
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Delivery up to 10 miles: £10
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Delivery up to 25 miles: £20
Distances are measured “as the crow flies”, not by road.
Once your order is placed, we’ll be in touch to arrange a suitable delivery date and time.
Please note, delivery may take a little longer as we often group orders together to build an efficient delivery run.
Important: If you’re ordering a large aquarium, please ensure someone is available to help unload the van on arrival.
Dry Goods Delivery
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DPD Next Day: 1 working day (order before 12 noon)
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DX Next Day (Heavy Items & Small Aquariums): 1 working day (order before 12 noon)
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Express Pallet: 1–3 working days
If you'd like to add more items to an existing order that hasn't yet been dispatched, please place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to combine the orders.
Please note: We currently only dispatch parcels Wednesday to Friday.
Pre-Order
Want the full details? Check out our Terms & Conditions.
Livestock Delivery
Thursday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Wednesday afternoon
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Delivered Thursday before 1pm
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Order by Wednesday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Friday Delivery – £24
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Dispatched Thursday afternoon
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Delivered Friday before 1pm
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Order by Thursday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
Saturday Delivery – £29
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Dispatched Friday afternoon
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Delivered Saturday before 1pm
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Order by Friday 12 noon
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Minimum spend: £50
📦 Want to Add to an Existing Order?
No problem! Just place a Click & Collect order and leave a note asking us to link it with your original one (as long as it hasn’t been dispatched yet).
🛒 Dry Goods Now Included!
You can now include dry goods in your livestock delivery – perfect for topping up supplies in one go.
❄️ Please note: We can’t send frozen food with livestock – please order frozen items separately.
⚠️ Delivery Exclusions
Unfortunately, we’re unable to deliver livestock to the following postcodes:
Scotland & Isles:
AB30–AB56, DD8–DD10, DG3–DG9, DG12–DG14, FK17–FK21, KA18–KA19, KA26–KA30, PA20–PA38, PA80, PH3–PH40
Cornwall Isles: TR21–TR25
All of the following postcodes are excluded:
BT, HS, IM, IV, JE, KW
Plus Channel Islands and Shetland Islands
Payment & Security
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